The walk to the tip
From the centre of Hel (from the railway station) you follow ul. Lipowa, then a marked path through pine woods. The distance is about 1.5–2 km one way, some 25–35 minutes on foot. The route is easy and flat, partly asphalt, partly forest sand, in places across dunes. You can also ride it by bicycle (there are marked cycle paths) or walk along the beach.
On the way to the tip you pass the Laskowski Battery on your left (the Museum of Coastal Defence), the military cemetery and fragments of German fortifications from the Second World War. The whole stretch is part of the Coastal Landscape Park — protected nature, pine woods and untouched sections of dune.
The tip itself — what is there
- A viewing point with a wooden platform — a panorama of the Gulf of Gdańsk and the Tricity
- The western beach (on the Bay of Puck side) — wide, calm, with warmer water
- The eastern beach (on the Baltic side) — bigger waves, popular with wind sports
- A monument and cross commemorating the defenders of Hel in 1939
- The 1942 lighthouse visible back in the town
- Ships on the horizon — heading for Gdańsk
The peninsula's beaches
The Baltic side (the open sea) — wide sandy beaches, stronger waves, popular with wind sports. Władysławowo, Chłapowo and Karwia have the widest beaches, though they get very busy. Hel — a wide and beautiful beach, but you have to cross the dunes. The bay side — calm, warmer water, ideal for families with children. Jastarnia and Jurata have the pleasantest beaches on the bay side.
Swimming season: June to August, water 18–22°C in July and August. Early June can be chilly (15–17°C). Beach baskets: about 50–80 zł a day; otherwise the beaches are free. Lifeguarded bathing areas in the main towns (Władysławowo, Jastarnia, Hel), 10:00–18:00, June to August.
Watersports and activities
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing — the Hel Peninsula is number one in Poland. The most famous spots: Chałupy (the narrowest stretch, with ideal wind), Jastarnia and Kuźnica
- SUP and kayaks — all along the Bay of Puck
- Boat trips from Hel harbour to the Tricity or out to sea (about 50–150 zł)
- Fishing from the shore — especially along the bay
- Cycling — the peninsula has excellent cycle paths from Władysławowo to Hel (about 35 km)
How to get there and practical info
- From the centre of Hel
- About 25–35 min on foot (1.5–2 km)
- Difficulty
- Easy — a flat woodland path
- Admission
- Free
- Best time
- Sunrise or late afternoon
- Bathing season
- June to August, water 18–22°C
- Cycling
- The Władysławowo–Hel path, about 35 km
When to go
May — empty, the beaches to yourself. Good wind for surfing, but the water is too cold for swimming.
Crowds in July and August, but the beaches are wide — it is easy to find a quiet spot. Sunrise at 4:30–5:00.
September — the finest „old wives' summer”. October is cold but lovely for walking.
Storms, freezing winds and empty beaches. A raw climate, for those who love it.
Other sights in Hel
Straight-line distances from „The tip of Hel and the beaches" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
We are still building the list of verified properties in the Hel region. If you run a guesthouse, a cottage or an apartment nearby — add your property.
Add your property →
